inspiration

A feeling that gives you new ideas or makes you want to create something.

• I need inspiration for my story.
• A sudden flash of inspiration solved the problem.
• Music often fills her with inspiration.

Similar words: creativity

Common phrases: creative inspiration, flash of inspiration, find inspiration, artistic inspiration

A person or thing that gives you ideas or encourages you to do something.

• My teacher is an inspiration to me.
• Nature was the inspiration for her painting.
• Where did you find the inspiration for this design?

How to use it: an inspiration to someone (Her courage is an inspiration to us.); the inspiration for something (His childhood was the inspiration for the novel.)

Similar words: motivation, stimulus

Common phrases: inspiration for something, inspiration to someone

God’s influence on people who write or speak religious truths.

• The prophet spoke under divine inspiration.
• They believe the text was written through God’s inspiration.
• The group discussed the inspiration of scripture.

Similar words: divine guidance

Common phrases: divine inspiration, inspiration of scripture

A single breath taken into the lungs.

• His chest rose during inspiration.
• The doctor asked for a deep inspiration.
• Each inspiration brought cold air into her lungs.

Similar words: inhalation, inward breath

Opposites: expiration

Common phrases: deep inspiration, during inspiration